Medieval Weapon and Armor – Pieces Common of the Period

In a dog eat dog world, the best armor and weapons were an absolute must. When it came to medieval weapon and armor choices, however, money and even geography dictated who could have the best.

Weapons and armor for individuals were heavily dependent on smiths to make high quality steel.

Since much of Europe was home to bog iron, brittle end products were often unavoidable. Yet, the use of metal in both weapons and armor truly came into its own during this period. Examples of medieval weapon and armor designs are truly impressive when the skill needed for creating the wares is considered.

In the medieval weapon and armor arena, choice existed, but cost prohibited many from owning the finest. Weapons ranged from swords and lances to catapults.

When it came to the knight class, the medieval weapon and armor of popularity was a well-made sword and a suit of armor. Metallic armor included intricately woven chain and eventually full suits of plate. Other choices for armor in the medieval weapon and armor game included leather and cloth.

Chain was quite an undertaking for a medieval weapon and armor maker to produce. Pieces were made of thousands of interlocking rings of steel, which when woven into a tunic, headpiece or even skirt could deflect slicing blows with ease. As the period wore on, medieval weapon and armor makers became more adept, making full suits of plate armor, which was effective despite its cumbersome quality until gunpowder came on the scene. To pad chain or plate or even to protect those who couldn’t afford metal armor, medieval weapon and armor producers also were adept with making heavily padded cloth and leather armor. While not as effective as chain or plate, these afforded some protection, which was better than nothing when it came to medieval weapon and armor.

As it was with armor, money limited what a combatant could afford as a weapon. Despite this, there are some brands of weapons that were common to the period, things good medieval weapon and armor makers would be expected to know how to create.

1.) The medieval weapon and armor blade of choice was a double-edged sword. They were effective in battle and helped show the status of their owners, which explains some remaining pieces with intricate engravings and even jewel encrusting on the hilts.

2.) Another common weapon in the medieval weapon and armor arsenal was the lance. A long wooden pole often tipped off with sharp, piercing metal, this weapon was used in tournament and even in battle by those who could only afford a small amount of precious metal.

And while medieval weapon and armor for individuals was heavily dependent on metals, wood was the prime component in weapons of siege – the catapults. Whether it was a giant trebuchet or a legion of small ballistas, a storming army could employ these hurling weapons to topple enemies and their castle walls without a huge reliance on expensive steel.

Medieval weapon and armor choices took on many forms. Who could use them often came down to who could afford the costly materials and skilled labor needed to create the best of the best.